In today’s environment, you must have everyone in every position contributing creative and innovative ideas. There’s no room for, “It’s not my job,” or “I couldn’t possibly come up with new ideas — I’m too busy.”

There isn’t a nook or cranny in any company that can afford to be without creativity and innovation. Every job description should be written to include these attributes.

Each employee is paid to think creatively and is required to incorporate innovation into daily responsibilities. In every organization, it doesn’t matter how good something is — it isn’t good enough. It doesn’t matter how well it works — it doesn’t work well enough. It doesn’t matter how satisfied the customers are — it won’t last. And it most certainly doesn’t matter how much better the most recent new way is than the old — it’s already the old way again.

If you don’t think you know how to create and innovate, it’s time to learn. If you don’t think you have it in you, look again. If you don’t think you are the type to do it, think again. We all have the capability of being creative and innovative. And today these qualities are a foundational expectation of every employee.

How can you can create and innovate?

Look at what you do every day and make it better, faster, cheaper

Honestly decide whether it needs to be done at all (for the customer)

Keep the intended result in mind and constantly look for a more effective way to achieve it